KRCB-FM: Percussion Discussion

Thomas Lang - April 25, 2013

krcbproduction@gmail.com — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:56:27 -0700

“To play the unplayed”, that is the self proclaimed lifelong aspiration of multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, educator, and award winning drummer Thomas Lang. Thomas has dedicated his life to the exploration of all things drum. A native of Vienna, Austria, Thomas took up the drums at the tender age of five. He is the founding member of the Los Angeles-based progressive/avant garde metal trio, Stork.

As a session musician, Thomas has played for such artists as Falco, John Wetton, Peter Gabriel, Tina Turner, Kelly Clarkson, Mick Jones, The Commodores, George Michael and Bonnie Tyler just to name a few.

Despite his grueling touring and rehearsal schedule, Thomas remains committed to a rigorous daily practice schedule. “I religiously follow a constantly evolving practice routine. It’s not glamorous, but for me daily practice is a principle source of growth and inspiration in my playing,” says Lang.

Arturo Rodriguez Interview and Music - March 28, 2013

krcbproduction@gmail.com — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 16:52:02 -0700

Arturo Rodriguez is a percussionist currently based in Seattle. Arturo shares his passion for percussion with the Pacific Northwest and beyond. An accomplished musician, author and teacher, Arturo has performed worldwide, sharing the stage with music legends that include Tito Puente, Paul Horn and Pete Escovedo.

Arturo has several projects in the works, not the least of which include his own companies: "Interact and Learn" drum and percussion classes and lessons, which offer self-study courses, workshops and public and private training for beginner through advanced students. Arturo authored three books in his "Ethnic Percussion Series" and is involved with the "Rhythm Ambassadors" created to bring cultural awareness, specifically the Latin culture on American music.

Arturo recently participated in the "Celebrate World Music" project and concert that featured original works by eight composers with eleven solo artists playing traditional instruments from around the world. Arturo participated in four of the eight compositions on percussion.

Dion Dublin Music and Interview - November 8, 2012

krcbproduction@gmail.com — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 22:02:10 -0800

Dion Dublin is a retired footballer (soccer player) from England. As an athlete, Dublin achieved much success during his career playing with a variety of teams. Underlying all of this was the desire to make music a bigger part of his life. During one game, Dublin began to formulate the idea of making a new percussive instrument. After retiring from the sports world, and 8 years later, Dion Dublin has introduced "The Dube" to the drumming and percussive world.

The Dube is a wooden cube that is available in four sizes, and different colors. Primarily a hand percussion instrument, a player can also use mallets or sticks to play it. Playable on four sides, it produces sounds similar to a bongo, conga, cajon, all on a wooden playing surface. It can be played acoustically, or each model comes equipped with an internal microphone with a pickup that can be attached to an amplifier for those "electronic" gigs.

Endorsed by such names as drummer Thomas Lang and percussionist Luis Conte, The Dube is sweeping Europe and the USA as the newest in innovative musical instruments. Learn what The Dube is all about-its uses, its cost, and its qualifications to be part of a musicians arsenal.

Billy Cobham Music and Interview - October 25, 2012

krcbproduction@gmail.com — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:07:16 -0700

An interview with acclaimed drummer, composer, producer and bandleader Billy Cobham. Founding member of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, and artist with a powerful, complex style of play that has exerted a strong influence on the course of jazz and jazz fusion.

Cobham is also one of the first drummers to play open-handed lead: a drummer that plays on a right handed set, but leads with his left hand on the hi-hat instead of crossing over with his right hand (and also has his ride cymbal on the left side, instead of the traditional right.) He typically plays with multiple toms and double bass drums, and was well known in the 70's for his large drum kits.

Cobham has played with such notables as Miles Davis, John Abercrombie, Peter Gabriel, Carlos Santana, Buddy Miles, and many, many more.

Billy Cobham is an instructor with ArtistWorks, an interactive video school.

Mike Dolbear Music and Interview - September 13, 2012

krcbproduction@gmail.com — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 21:43:02 -0800

Mike Dolbear is an accomplished drummer and advocate for the drumming and percussion industry. In addition to starting the web site mikedolbear.com that has over 85,000 pages of drumming information on musicians, equipment, reviews, etc., Mike was chosen as the integral person to audition, train and coordinate the 1000 drummers that opened the celebration festivities at the 2012 London Olympics.

Mike heads charities and competitions for the drumming world from his business and residence location in England, and is an international ambassador regarding the world of drummers and percussionists.

This interview focuses on the London Olympics and the method by which the drummers from around the world were chosen for the opening ceremonies of this all important event.